Strife begins at 40! Britons fear their bodies start to fail as they enter fifth decade 

Britons  believe their bodies start to fail during their 40s with knees, joints and eyes all showing signs of wear and tear, a study found.

Knees start to creak at 47, hearing deteriorates at 49 and backs ‘go’ as early as 44, according to the poll of 2,000 adults. 

Our sense of smell begins to dull at 46 while almost three-quarters of people suffer joint pain daily in their late 40s.

Worryingly, more than a tenth said their eyesight started to fail as early as their 20s. Almost eight in ten have noticed a marked deterioration in their body as they have aged, with most seeing changes between 37 and 40. 

Around this time of life, four in ten struggle to kneel down while one in five have difficulties getting up and down stairs.

Dr Sarah Brewer, of vitamins and supplements firm Healthspan, which commissioned the research, said: ‘The fact that people are starting to notice their bodies are weakening and aren’t as strong in their late 30s is an early indicator that help is needed.

Almost eight in ten have noticed a marked deterioration in their body as they have aged, with most seeing changes between 37 and 40 (file image) 

‘This can take the form of targeted exercise, dietary changes and taking nutritional supplements. Looking after your body from a young age can also make the ageing process easier.’ 

The survey also found that more than a tenth of people find it difficult to drive for long distances around 40, while nearly 70 per cent confess to making sounds of discomfort when getting off the sofa.

However, despite creaking joints and bones, 55 per cent have not been to a medical professional to seek advice.

Physiotherapist Valentina Roffi said: ‘It is important to respect our bodies and their physiological needs.’

She added: ‘When you’re young you can feel invincible, as though your body will last for ever – when we know this is far from true.’